BREAKING NEWS: Mark Pope Compliments Jaxson Robinson’s ‘Special’ Performance at Point Guard Against Gonzaga
Provo, UT — In a stunning display of adaptability and poise, Jaxson Robinson, a standout player for the BYU Cougars, took on a new role at point guard in a high-stakes showdown against Gonzaga. The 6’6″ junior guard had been a versatile contributor throughout his college career, but few could have predicted the level of brilliance he would bring to the floor in his debut as the team’s primary ball handler.
The game, which ended in a narrow 82-79 victory for BYU, saw Robinson shine in the point guard role, leading his team with both skill and confidence. His performance caught the attention of BYU head coach Mark Pope, who had nothing but praise for his player after the game.
“Jaxson was absolutely special tonight,” Pope said in his post-game interview. “What he did out there was nothing short of impressive. We’ve been working on his ball-handling, but he really showed that he’s capable of much more. Gonzaga is one of the best teams in the country, and he handled the pressure of running the offense with maturity and poise.”
Robinson, who had primarily played off the ball during his career at BYU, was thrust into the point guard position due to an injury to starting point guard Noah Waterman. With little time to adjust, Robinson took on the role seamlessly, playing a pivotal part in BYU’s win.
The game was a fast-paced and intense affair. Gonzaga, known for their high-powered offense and relentless defense, pushed the Cougars to the limit. Robinson responded by orchestrating the offense with a blend of creative passes, effective pick-and-roll setups, and timely scoring. His court vision was exceptional, particularly in the second half when the game hung in the balance. He finished with 15 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, providing an all-around performance that showcased his versatility.
One play, in particular, stood out. With the game tied at 79 and less than 30 seconds remaining, Robinson calmly brought the ball up the court, weaving through Gonzaga’s defense. With the shot clock winding down, he dished out a no-look pass to senior forward Traore, who drained a clutch three-pointer to give BYU the lead. The crowd erupted in a frenzy, and the Cougars held on to secure the victory.
Pope continued to emphasize Robinson’s unique skill set, pointing out that his success in the point guard role didn’t just stem from his basketball IQ, but also from his unshakable confidence. “You could see that Jaxson wasn’t intimidated by the moment,” Pope said. “He’s the type of player who loves the challenge. Whether it’s making a big shot or setting up a key play, he’s always ready for whatever the game asks of him.”
Robinson, who transferred to BYU from Arkansas before the 2022 season, had shown flashes of brilliance in his previous years but had yet to fully establish himself as a primary leader on the court. His performance against Gonzaga, however, was a game-changer — and it’s clear that Pope and the rest of the BYU staff are beginning to see Robinson in a new light.
“I’ve always known I could do it,” Robinson said humbly after the game. “I’ve worked hard to improve my ball-handling and my decision-making. It was just about getting the opportunity and making the most of it. My teammates helped me a lot, too. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Robinson’s performance has also sparked speculation about his future role with the team. With the Cougars looking to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament, many analysts believe that Robinson’s ability to excel as a point guard could be the key to unlocking the team’s full potential. BYU’s offense, traditionally led by a more conventional point guard, could become even more dynamic with Robinson’s unique skill set.
The Cougars will next face off against a strong San Francisco team, and all eyes will be on Robinson to see if he can replicate his success in his new role. If tonight’s performance is any indication, the sky is the limit for the talented guard.
“It’s a special night for Jaxson and for our team,” Pope concluded. “We knew he had it in him, and he showed us tonight that he can do whatever we need him to do. We’re really excited about what he can bring moving forward.”
As the BYU Cougars celebrate their dramatic victory over Gonzaga, it seems clear that Jaxson Robinson’s star is on the rise — and his future as a point guard for the Cougars may just be the next chapter in an already promising career.
